The Blackhawks and Predators entered Saturday night’s game at the United Center with only four points separating them in the standings as the race for the playoffs continues. However, it was only the Predators that seemed to realize this fact as they dictated play for a majority of the game, and the Blackhawks lost 3-1.
Before the game got started, the excitement was palpable in the Blackhawks fandom as Kirby Dach made an early return to the lineup. He’s been very missed.
The excitement didn’t last long, though, as the Predators were rewarded early when Ryan Johansen gave the Predators the lead just over five minutes into the first period.